If you like a trip with city vibes, nature landscapes, local tastes, and cultural heritage rolled into one, then book that flight to the south and head straight to Zamboanga City. Since the city proper is minutes away, you would feel that your adventure starts right away as soon as you step out of the airport. With no time wasted, say “quetal” (hello in Chavacano) and explore all the offerings of “Asia’s Latin City” without delay. Soon enough, you’ll discover the rich Spanish and Hispanic influences as you discover the city’s architecture, cuisine, and touristy spots.
Designated as a highly urbanized city since 1983, Zamboanga offers most of the modern conveniences of an urban lifestyle for residents and visitors. As a major trading hub in Western Mindanao, its clean and tidy streets are teeming with old shops, food stores, and other commercial establishments, along with the addition of several malls such as the CityMall, KCC, and SM Mindpro. Bargain hunters should go to Canelar Barter Trade Center and Yubenco Star Mall for their pasalubong. Yakan woven items are sold in the nearby Yakan village. The city is dotted with a variety of accommodations so it is easy to choose one that would fit any budget and preference. Traffic is still manageable even though private and public vehicles crowd the streets.
Visitors can’t miss going downtown to visit Plaza Pershing. Named after US Army-general John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing, the plaza was built in his honor after his victory over Muslim insurgents. This open-air park looks like a typical Spanish square of the old ayutamiento. It is a popular venue to stroll and hang out while enjoying public performances and checking out the bazaars. Sitting right next to it is the iconic Zamboanga City Hall, known for its pinkish building facade and design inspired by Islamic architecture.
Another known major historical landmark in the city is the Shrine of Our Lady of Pilar, better known as Fort Pilar. Built in the 17th century, this former military defense fort has been recognized as a National Cultural Treasure since 1973. Now, it is a National Museum branch with an outdoor shrine. The permanent exhibit showcases the Marine Life of Zamboanga, Basilan, and Sulu, dioramas and relics as well as displays featuring the culture of the Yakan, Subanun, and Sama indigenous groups. Outside of its walls stands the shrine of Our Lady of the Pilar with a beautiful garden and altar that devotees go to, especially during the Holy Week.
A visit to Zamboanga is never complete without savoring its rich and diverse cuisine. For seafood fare, a must-try specialty dish is curacha (deep sea crab) with Alavar sauce, a special blend of coconut milk, taba ng talangka (crab roe paste), and spices invented by Maria Teresa Camins Alavar of the Alavar Seafood Restaurant. There is a host of Moro dishes available but a must-try is Tiyula Itum, a Tausug traditional beef dish made savory by adding charred coconut that blackens the soup. A staple breakfast dish, satti is made up of skewered chicken, beef, or liver served with a spicy sweet sauce over puso rice. It’s a hearty breakfast with the spice sauce warming up the tummy and perking up the body’s energy. Some of the favorite local sweets are the knickerbocker (a mixed fruit dessert that turns pink with strawberry ice cream), lokot-lokot (crunchy rice snack), and lanay choco bites.
Just beside Fort Pilar, visitors can leisurely walk at the Paseo del Mar and enjoy the lovely sunset by the bay. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the bay is dotted with restaurants and bars that become crowded by dinner time. It also has a ferry terminal that serves as a jumping point to Grande Sta. Cruz island.
Not more than a 20-minute ride on a ferry boat leads you to Santa Cruz island, popularly known as the pink beach. Its powdery white sand turns pinkish due to the presence of crushed red corals on the shore. Aside from enjoying the beach, guests can snorkel or dive and experience its rich marine wildlife. Mangrove tours are also available wherein guests can hold stingless jellyfish and pick fresh lato (seaweed) right off the boat. Since it is a protected marine sanctuary, the local government strictly enforces regulations to keep the island safe from over-tourism and negate the impact of tourism activities on the natural environment. Visitors are told not to bring single-use plastics such as bottled water and plastic bags to the island. Authorities also limit the number of tourists on the island for day trips, with no option for overnight stays.
The city welcomes guests the whole year round but they highly recommended a month-long stay in October for the celebration of the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. The festivities pay tribute to the Our Lady of the Pillar with colorful parades, cultural performances, pageantry, and a race of iconic vintas in the Regatta.